Flavors of Boracay: That Cool Latin Vibe by the Beach at Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar

The story of sumptuous Latin American flavors on the pristine powdery sands of Station 1's White Beach at Zuzuni Boutique Hotel was four years in the making when Patrick and Shria Florencio of Nonie's first fell in love with the property's quaint beachfront café back in 2018. After the closures due to the pandemic, a collaboration for a new restaurant concept was hatched named after Patrick and Shria's grumpy French bulldog Muchachos. Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar is one more colorful layer to the complex weave of flavors in the island's evolving culinary landscape, and it's a story that's just beginning...

Another sunset, another day in the island paradise. The famed beaches of Boracay with its white sands and clear turquoise waters continue to captivate visitors the world over and with the reopening of the island to both local and foreign travelers, the island casts its alluring charm with its memorable sights and vibe. I've always said and believed that Boracay was a state of mind, and one look at the beaches just brings home the point. Is there anything better than sipping a soothing cocktail with a view like this?

The elegant beachfront property of Zuzuni Boutique Hotel offers guests front row seats to the island's magnificent views, and it's the perfect setting for one of Boracay's newest dining destinations. In a unique collaboration with the boutique hotel property, Patrick and Shria Florencio shares the rich and diverse culinary heritage of South America, Central America, Mexico and the islands of the Caribbean in one spot along White Beach. Sourcing the very best and freshest local ingredients presented in lavish made from scratch dishes, Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar showcases the region's vibrant culture in a modern tropical setting. With the soft sand and calm waters off the white sandy beaches, the cuisine also reinforces that distinct Boracay mood and spirit. And that island vibe paired with Latino flair combine for one awesome combo capped by magnificent views of the beach. 

At the bar, let Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar indulge you with your favorite libation from their well-stocked selection. Pick a spot, watch the scene at the beach and wait for the sunset. And forget time. Time stops at the beachfront of Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar.

Get right into that festive Latin vibe with a refreshing Homemade Horchata (P 150), a traditional Mexican drink made with a rich blend of rice, milk, vanilla, almond and cinnamon. Each sip brings an indulgent creamy finish draping the palate with a subtle and elegant nutty sweetness. One more sip, and you have that Latin spirit just in time for the sunset.

From Housemade Sparking Lemonade to Fresh Shakes, a selection of fine wines and artisan coffee creations to handcrafted cocktails, refreshing libations are very much a part of the Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar experience. In the mood for a Classic Margarita (P 220) or a soothing Frozen Strawberry Margarita (P 300)? Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar boasts of a wide selection of margaritas, sangria, mojito and classic cocktails to fit your mood. Game for a sunset tipple?

While at Muchos Latin American American Kitchen & Bar, don't forget to try their very own signature cocktails like the Ola Sabrosa (P 300) with Olmeca Reposado Tequila, strawberry chili soda, lemon juice and rosewater-watermelon soda and the El Silencio (P 380) with Diplomatico Mantuano Rum, lemon juice, Angostura bitters and homemade apple-cinnamon cola soda. 

Other tempting libations include the Caribbean Mule (P 300) with Plantation dark rum, lime juice, cardamom bitters and housemade ginger beer; Fernanda's Choice (P 350) with Sombrero Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, lemon juice, homemade cardamom pineapple syrup and pineapple juice; the Peruvian Sour (P 350) with La Caravedo Pisco, apple juice, lemon juice and egg white and Naughty Paloma (P 300) with its blend of Sauza Blanco Tequila, lemon juice, olive brine, rosewater and homemade chili-pomelo soda. Tequila? Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar offers one of the most extensive tequila and mezcal selections in the island. Take-off with a Tequila Flight (P 500) and experience the subtle nuanced notes of each spirit. You'll find a cocktail with your name on it or better yet, let Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar surprise you with their recommendation in time for the sunset.  

After a few rounds of cocktails, you're ready for some tasty bites. Just like their inventive cocktails, Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar impresses with their sumptuous array of Latin-inspired dishes starting with the Pão de Queijo (P 220) or Brazilian Cheese Bread made with gluten-free tapioca flour, Parmesan and Cheddar. Warm and soft, each bite delivers a burst of cheesy notes to open up the palate for even more Latin American flavors from Muchos Latin American American Kitchen & Bar.

Fresh out of the kitchen, Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar unveils the opening salvo of a festive and sumptuous Latin-inspired feast... 

...front-lined by the day's freshest catch of Ceviche de Ostras (P 450), a Peruvian classic recreated with succulent Aklan oysters, bell peppers, lime, yellow habanero pepper sauce, garlic and fresh cilantro. The contrasting play on flavors tingle on the palate, with a rich briny sweetness followed by the subtle sharpness of the lime and blend of peppers rounded out by the deep lingering notes of garlic and cilantro. 

Sourced straight off the waters of Aklan, the Ceviche de Ostras by Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar has to be one of the island's best culinary offerings. Paired with another round of cocktails, an afternoon by the beach becomes one more memorable layer in the Boracay experience. 

The Aguachile de Camaron (P 400) or Prawns in Chili Water is another Peruvian classic recreated at Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar with plump prawns, lime, coconut, cilantro, bell pepper and mojo verde delivering fresh and clean flavors. Each component adds its own distinct and flavorful note in a seamless and delicately balanced blend with the sweetness of the prawns smoothened by the mojo verde and coconut and perfectly finished by the lime, bell pepper and cilantro. That mojo verde, a tangy herb sauce, completes the flavors. It's uncluttered flavors in its freshest and purest form, served daily at Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar. 

The Ceviche Classico (P 380), a Peruvian Fish Ceviche features the fresh catch of the day draped in a mildly spicy yellow habanero pepper dressing, lime, red onion and cilantro for another round of fresh flavors at Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar. The natural sweetness of the fish comes through followed by the subtle heat of the yellow habanero pepper dressing, the zesty sharpness of the lime, the bite of the red onion and citrusy hints of cilantro in another masterful blend of flavors. 

Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar also offers the Ceviche de Sandia (P 280), a vegan ceviche with watermelon, cucumber, red onion, olive oil and jalapeño for a lighter option. Freshness is flavor, and this is evident with the first round of dishes at Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar where the fresh seafood are highlighted and complemented by peppers, lime and herbs.

In between bites, enjoy the delectable crunch of the Patatas Fritas (P 150) with its crunchy mix of potatoes and sweet kamote chips served with a side of fresh salsa. Sliced paper-thin and deep-fried to a perfect crispness, this bowl of crunchy chips are gone in no time.

The Tostones (P 190) or Mexican Fried Bananas is another tasty option at Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar with its play on sweet and salty notes. A popular staple in both South America and the Caribbean, the twice-fried smashed green bananas served with mojo verde is also an excellent vegan alternative. 

Other tasty bites on the menu include Elote (P 250), Cuenco de Quinoa (P 300) and Ensalada de Gambas (P 380) as well as a variety of anticuchos or skewers like Pollo (P 400), Coliflor (P 400) or cauliflower and Gambas (P 420).  

Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar then teases the palate with their specialty selection of hearty tacos starting with the vegan Coliflor Tacos (P 150) or Mexican Fried Cauliflower Tacos on homemade corn tortilla topped with frijoles and red cabbage drizzled with homemade chipotle chili vegan mayo. The crunchy finish of the batter and the natural fresh crispness of the cauliflower becomes a textural play followed by the nutty richness of refried beans. The use of corn tortillas instead of the usual flour tortillas add a distinct flavor to the specialty tacos of Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar with its nuanced sweetness. 

The Pescada (P 150) or Mexican Beer Battered Fish Tacos brings the delicate flavors of crispy white fish along with red cabbage, mojo verde, cilantro, pickled onions and vegan chipotle mayo in another savory play of textural contrasts and notes with each bite. The sharpness of the pickled onions, richness of the mojo verde and vegan chipotle mayo complement the fish without overwhelming its subtle notes in a finely balanced blend. 

The Pollo (P 150) or Mexican Chicken Tacos bring fork-tender strips of juicy grilled chicken with its whisper of smoky hints along with crispy onions, mojo verde, chipotle mayo and cilantro on soft homemade corn tortilla for another flavorful ride at Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar. Like all the tacos served, the blend of flavors and textures come together in a seamless blend with each ingredient complementing the other. And the delicate corn tortillas allow you to experience all the flavors of the different ingredients in one bite. 

Bolder and richer flavors are served up next with the Barbacoa (P 150) or Mexican Slow-Cooked Beef Taco with fork-tender and melt-in-your-mouth beef roasted for hours topped with red cabbage, chimichurri, cilantro, pico de gallo and mojo verde. This taco delivers a solid savory punch from the slow roasted beef, releasing even more intense beefy notes with each bite rounded out by the chimichurri, pico de gallo, mojo verde, red cabbage and cilantro for a spectacular finish. Tender and savory slathered in rich chimichurri is one combo that works all the time. And it all comes together perfectly with the Barbacoa of Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar.

One more round is definitely in order and the Margarita Picante (P 300), a habanero-infused Tequila blended with pineapple juice, triple sec, sugar and lime juice rimmed with Tajin salt is just what you need. 

The Birria Carnitas (P 300) or Mexican Birria-Style Pork Tacos is another winner from Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar delivering full-on flavors draping the palate with a lingering savory richness. Just dip, bite and repeat. Tender pulled pork on soft corn tortillas and served with a richly-flavored consommé for dipping, the Birria Carnitas is a light meal in itself. Each bite delivers a juicy and flavorful burst, and another bite is soon on its way. Each order is served with three pieces, just enough to tickle your palate for the savory mains served next at Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar. 

But if you're really hungry, Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar has that covered too. The impressive Churrasco Steak (based on market price) is the main event with a thick and juicy sous-vide grilled steak for that buttery finish with just a whisper of smoky hints served Latin American style drizzled with chimichurri and crisp patatas fritas. You don't need to complicate a good steak, and the Churrasco Steak is a pure meat lover's dream. 

The beefy richness of the steak grilled to medium with a juicy pink center delivers bold flavors complemented by the nutty hints of the chimichurri for a solid meal at Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar. Masterfully executed from the sous-vide and grilled to juicy perfection, the Churrasco Steak is one of many flavorful highlights from the Latin-inspired feast by Muchos Latin-American Kitchen & Bar. 

If you're craving for a healthier yet hearty option, the Gambas Quinotto (P 380) or Peruvian style Quinoa Risotto is the perfect choice. With the tricolour quinoa as its base, the risotto-like texture gives this dish an indulgently rich, creamy and lavish texture complementing the briny sweetness of the grilled prawns drizzled with chimichurri and topped with local kesong puti for flavorful bursts with each spoonful. Consistent with the culinary philosophy of Patrick and Shria Florencio, the Latin American inspired menu includes healthy and vegan options as well. 

Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar also offers other savory options from the Arroz Con Pollo (P 390), Barbacoa Bowl (P 450), Cazuela de Mariscos (P 450) and Huevos Rancheros (P 350) to the Vegan Ropa Vieja (P 350). Ask the servers too about their equally satisfying All-Day Brunch menu like the Muchos Breakfast (P 390), Huarache Con Huevos (P 450), Birria Bowl (P 420), Atole de Arroz (P 390) and Chicharron de Chanco Peruana (P 400).

For dessert, Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar brings a tempting selection of indulgent treats to the table from Paletas (P 100) or Mexican Fruit Popsicles in Mango Chili, Honey Lemon Mint, Pineapple Coconut and Watermelon and sweet Buñuelos (P 280) or fried Bolivian doughnuts sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and served with a chili chocolate dip.  

The extensive menu at Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar offers diners a taste of the unique and diverse richness of Latin cuisine in one spot paired with handcrafted cocktails and an awesome beach view for that perfect dining experience. After a satisfying meal, hit up one more cocktail for the road...

The Lima Sunrise (P 300), a Campari-based concoction with lemon, orange and fresh pineapple juice caps your sumptuous dining experience at Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar on a high note. And just in time for sunset too...

By late afternoon, the beach is transformed by the shifting light of the setting sun creating the stage for yet another quintessential Boracay experience. 

And you get exclusive front row seats without leaving Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar. So just sit back, take another sip and enjoy.

Tasty bites, soothing sips, soft sand below your feet and a spectacular light show completes your day at Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar. Does it get any better than this? For Patrick and Shria Florencio, Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar in collaboration with Zuzuni Boutique Hotel is one more page from a continuing story that began at Nonie's (more on their flagship restaurant on my earlier post, Flavors of Boracay: Eat Good, Feel Good at Nonie's from 2019) followed by Little Taj Indian Street Kitchen (post coming up next) that's slowly transforming and redefining the island's restaurant scene. It's these stories and the people that make up the colorful tapestry of the island.  

The infusion of fresh and vibrant flavors in the island's culinary diversity rising from the long days of the quarantine experience is a rejuvenating shot adding another chapter in its weave of colorful stories. And it's flavorful stories like this that keeps the always captivating island high on everyone's list of destinations. Sun, sand, sea, refreshing cocktails and hearty dishes. Enjoy a round of cocktails and sumptuous dishes with that cool island vibe made even more special with its vibrant Latin touch at Muchos Latin American Kitchen & Bar...